Associate – Strategy, AI

SVI is looking for a high-potential IIM graduate to work closely with senior and C-level leadership on strategic research, business improvement, management analysis, and special projects. This is a high-visibility role designed for a talented early-career professional who is curious about how businesses operate and wants to develop into a future business leader. The successful candidate will work directly with senior management to research business challenges, analyze data, benchmark best practices, identify improvement opportunities, and develop fact-based recommendations to support management decision-making. The candidate is expected to think, challenge, investigate, connect information, and recommend practical solutions .

Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Research & Executive Support
- Conduct research on business, technology, industry, competitors, customers, and market trends.
- Research emerging topics such as AI, automation, digital transformation, Industry 4.0, advanced manufacturing, and new business models .
- Prepare executive-level research papers, briefing notes, presentations, and management summaries.
- Support C-level executives in preparing for strategic discussions and management meetings.
- Convert complex information into clear, concise, and actionable insights . 2. Business Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve cost, productivity, quality, processes, organization, customer experience, and operational effectiveness .
- Analyze current processes and identify gaps, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
- Benchmark SVI against leading companies and industry best practices.
- Develop recommendations together with relevant business functions.
- Track improvement initiatives and measure business impact. 3. Data & Business Analytics
- Collect and analyze business and operational data to identify trends and opportunities.
- Develop analytical models and management dashboards where appropriate.
- Translate data into business insights and recommendations.
- Support management with fact-based analysis rather than assumptions. 4. AI & Digital Transformation
- Research how AI and digital technologies can be applied across SVI.
- Identify potential opportunities for AI-enabled productivity, automation, decision support, and process improvement .
- Benchmark how leading global companies are using AI and digital technologies.
- Work with relevant functions to assess potential use cases and business value. 5. Special Projects
- Support C-level executives on strategic and confidential projects.
- Conduct analysis for new business opportunities, investments, organizational changes, and transformation initiatives.
- Participate in cross-functional projects involving Operations, Engineering, Finance, Sales, HR, IT, and other functions.
- Take ownership of selected projects from research → analysis → recommendation → implementation → results . 6. Executive Communication
- Prepare high-quality presentations for senior management.
- Present findings and recommendations clearly and logically.
- Communicate with stakeholders across different functions and levels.
- Be comfortable asking difficult questions and challenging existing assumptions respectfully. Education
- MBA / Postgraduate degree from IIM – preferably from a leading IIM.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, Business, Economics, Finance, Data/Analytics, or a related field.
- Fresh IIM graduates are welcome. Preferred Skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
- Excellent research skills.
- Strong Excel and PowerPoint skills.
- Ability to work with data and convert it into meaningful business insights.
- Strong business understanding and commercial awareness.
- Interest in AI, digital transformation, technology, and manufacturing .
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to communicate with senior executives with maturity and confidence.
- Strong attention to detail without losing sight of the bigger picture. Personal Characteristics We are looking for someone who is:
- Highly curious – naturally wants to understand why things happen.
- Analytical – uses facts and data to form conclusions.
- Business-minded – understands the impact on cost, revenue, productivity, customers, and people.
- Proactive – does not wait to be told every step.
- Mature and confident – comfortable working with senior leaders.
- Structured thinker – can turn an ambiguous problem into a clear approach.
- Innovative – interested in finding better ways of working.
- Humble and collaborative – able to work with people across all levels.
- Execution-oriented – not only recommends ideas but follows through to results. What Success Looks Like Within the first 12–18 months, the successful candidate should be able to:
- Independently conduct research and present meaningful insights to senior management.
- Identify business improvement opportunities and quantify their potential impact.
- Support C-level executives with high-quality analysis and recommendations.
- Lead selected cross-functional improvement projects.
- Develop a strong understanding of SVI's business, customers, operations, and competitive environment.
- Become a trusted "thought partner" to management.